Report: Damage From Sandy May Shutter TriBeCa Bistro For Good

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A popular French bistro in TriBeCa may close for good after 33 years due to irreparable caused by Superstorm Sandy, according to published reports.

Capsouto Freres, at 451 Washington St. at the intersection with Watts Street, has been closed since Sandy struck in late October.

The Facebook page and Twitter feed for the restaurant have not been updated since Jan. 3, when the restaurant said on both platforms that it was still closed and would keep patrons posted on its status.

But a report in the TriBeCa Citizen on Wednesday said the restaurant is expected to close permanently. The space has been listed on the market for $35,000 per month, the publication reported.

Reports in multiple publications said co-owner Jacques Capsouto had no idea when the restaurant would be able to reopen, given that insurance money was not coming in.

Water from Sandy flooded the basement at the restaurant, causing $50,000 in damage, according to a New York Post report. The damage came when the restaurant was still paying off loans taken out after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to published reports.

The restaurant was founded by Jacques Capsouto and his brothers, Samuel and Albert. It opened in 1980 in a former spice warehouse, and is known for its wine list and classic French dishes – including hat its Web site said was deemed “the best soufflé in NYC.”